A DEVELOPER has confirmed that his offer to breath life back into Bolton Open Golf Course was declined by the site owner despite his need for cash.

Farnworth-based Jackwood Leisure now join campaigners of the Millennium Woodland Committee in thinking the only reason such an offer was rejected by golf club owner, Robin Day, was to build property on the land.

However, the land, in Longsight Lane, Harwood, is green belt so can only be built on if released by government.

Barbara Herriot, chairman of the Millennium Woodland Committee, which maintains the area of land opposite the course, believes Mr Day is waiting for the green light before considering selling up.

She said: "If the council release green belt land then Mr Day can apply to build on the adjoining four acres next to Millennium Wood, which are only separated by barbed wire, and on the golf course, not building property.

"We have a fight on our hands to make sure Mr Day doesn't change the land otherwise this will be disastrous for the Wood."

Mr Day, principal of The Open Golf Group, which owns the clubhouse, driving range, first nine holes and car park, insists his priority is reviving the golf course.

He said: "We put a planning application in some time ago to develop the land near the entrance to the club but that got misconstrued at the time and we were unable to talk to the Woodland Committee. The rumours were totally inaccurate.

"The club needs some investment. We have been supporting the club financially for years and in its current form we simply cannot do it any longer.

"The only offers we have had, have been offers from those interested in building on the land."

Harry Jackson, co-director of Jackwood Leisure, and keen golfer, made an offer to save the golf course.

He said: "About 18 months ago we had a meeting with Mr Day and our accountants and we thought that we come to an agreement. We can quite categorically say that the offer was well in excess of the £700,00 asking price for the clubhouse.

"However, Mr Day decided against it, it may well have prejudiced what he wanted to do. It was his prerogative."